QMI Agency

WINDSOR, ON. - A Windsor, Ont., man was charged with animal cruelty Monday after 155 dead cats and kittens were found in his freezer and refrigerator.

In addition, 49 cats were found in his apartment in poor conditions.

The Windsor/Essex County Humane Society, which laid the charges against Jerry Miernecki, said he had been ordered to provide food, water, litter boxes and a clean area for the cats on Dec. 13, but the animals were removed a day later after he failed to comply with the order.

WECHS director Melanie Coulter said Miernecki informed them about the dead cats and kittens, and said "he had been keeping them to bury together when he was able to buy a home."

In an interview with QMI Agency, Coulter said "the number of cats they found in the freezer was a first for the organization."

Miernecki was charged with two counts under the Ontario SPCA Act - failing to comply with an order as well as permitting the cats to be in distress.

"The permitting distress charge is related to the deceased cats, who suffered medical issues for which they did not receive adequate veterinary attention," the statement said.

The humane society says some of the cats have been put up for adoption, but others are still being treated.

Coulter told QMI Agency the WECHS made the discovery after receiving tips from a fellow resident and the manager of the apartment building.